Life at OSU

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Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Kolin, Czech Republic. It is a pretty small town about 40 minutes east of Prague. I was used to weather like there is in Oregon, but I am still getting used to the American culture.

Why OSU?
When I was a sophomore in high school I went on exchange to Milwaukie, near Portland. It was a great year and I really liked Oregon. A year later I visited Oregon again and my friend that was attending OSU showed me around; that’s when I knew I needed to come back.

How close are you to graduating, and what’s next after that?
This is my junior year so I have another year at OSU. I am still trying to figure out my plan, but I definitely want to go to graduate school, either for an MBA or to study business law. I am exploring both of these fields. I want to work in a business field and also travel for my work. I enjoy being bilingual, and it is something I don’t want to lose in the future, including in the workplace.

What has been your favorite class at OSU?
One of my favorite classes was my business law class. We had a great teacher and he always had interesting stories and cases for us. I was scared of that class but our professor made it really fun. I am also taking a snowboarding class this winter term and that is probably the best class I have ever taken.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned outside classes?
One of the most important things I have learned is that coming to college, no one really knows other people and you have to put yourself out there and make new friends and connections. I was afraid coming for my freshman year that I would not know anyone. Soon enough I realized that we all were on the same boat and you just have to make new friends.

What’s your favorite place to hang out on campus?
There are several spots I like on campus. Among my favorites are in the MU or outside the MU in the quad, especially in spring term and beginning of fall term, when it is still nice outside. It is fun to watch how busy the campus is and enjoy the sun while it lasts.

What’s your favorite place to hang out in Corvallis?
I am an outdoor person so any hiking spot around Corvallis is my favorite. The Fitton Green Trail (just north of the city) would probably be at the top of my list; it has a great view any time of the year.

What kind of support do you get from scholarships?
I get some financial aid but not really a scholarship. Because I am an international student, I am sometimes limited in the scholarships I can apply for.

Of all the things you could choose to get involved in on campus, why the Student Alumni Ambassadors?
I got nominated into SAA my freshman year. I did not really know what SAA was but I was curious and I wanted to get more involved on campus. I went to my interview and I was just really interested in it and thought it was a great idea. I’ve met so many great people and made a lot of new friendships.

What’s one thing you think would surprise alumni from 10 or 20 years ago about what it’s like to be an OSU student today?
The campus has grown so much. I think it is different in a sense that there are so many people on campus every day.

Is there anything else you’d like to say to a potential readership of 215,000 Beaver alumni and friends?
I really enjoy the OSU spirit and that everyone cheers for the Beavers and supports them even in hard times. That is something I hope will continue to grow, and that Beavers will always support each other. It is a small world and I always run into people that are somehow connected to OSU outside of Corvallis and Oregon and even outside the U.S.

Student Alumni Ambassadors (SAA) is associated with the OSU Alumni Association and is dedicated to enhancing the connection among students past, present and future. SAA members coordinate a variety of events and initiatives that integrate students and alumni across Beaver Nation. For more info, visit osualum.com/saainterest.